Meet some of our recruits

Thomas

I’m Thomas and I joined the STEM scheme in 2017.

I work in the Cognitive Service team. We’re responsible for the Virtual Assistants (VA’s) aka chat bots on our website and online claims. People can ask questions and the VAs will return suitable answers. They can also help people complete certain online claims. I am responsible for a couple of VAs. On a day to day basis I liaise with business teams to develop content for their VAs. I train and test new content on the VA’s and work on development projects or specifications.

I completed a Bachelor of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. I applied for the STEM scheme so I could develop my skills in computer science and software development. I also wanted to use my skills as an engineer to benefit the Australian public.

The coolest thing about my job is that I get to learn more about computer science. This area has always been an interest of mine. I often need to process data in a certain way or implement new VA’s or their functionality. I will need to learn about the technology to develop a solution. When things aren’t busy there is time to develop your skills through formal and informal training courses. It’s great being able to develop my skills in an interesting area.

Robin

My name is Robin and I joined the department in 2017 through the STEM scheme.

I work as a System Analyst in the Chief Information Officer (CIO) Group in Canberra. I completed a Bachelor of Science with a Major in pure mathematics. I make sure that all online Centrelink applications are running as required. It’s a lot more work than it sounds!

I take care of the SAP online space. I investigate and analyse issues impacting our applications. I send out a fix that won’t bring the whole thing crashing down, in a timely manner. Every day is different and I’m always under the pump!

I love that this role always keeps me busy while also offering a good work/life balance so I can travel. I’ve travelled to New Zealand, Thailand, Korea, Vegas, LA and most recently Mexico. Yes, annual leave is important to me!

I enjoy liaising with stakeholders to find a solution that everyone is happy with. I work hard, and appreciate when it’s acknowledged by my team leaders.

Mijung

My name is Mijung and I started working for the department in 2015. I joined the STEM scheme last year.

I work in the Cyber Operations team. My team in particular monitor and assess cyber activity. This includes vulnerabilities, threats and incidents that can damage our business operations. My role within the team is to manage and maintain systems the team uses.

Before joining the STEM scheme, I graduated with a Biotechnology degree and went on to further study allied health. I started working as a casual in the Smart Centre Branch answering customer phone calls.

I really enjoyed the work I was doing. I liked that I was making a positive difference and providing meaningful services. So instead of going back to further study, I decided to stay working for the department.

I applied for the STEM scheme so I could use my tertiary skills. And to develop professional skills in an emerging industry.

Coming from a non-ICT background, everything was so new to me! It almost felt like migrating to a different country. The job seemed to be technical with a bunch of unfamiliar tech speak. But with formal and on the job training, I now feel very confident in what I do. I also have an amazingly supportive team.